Who Is Allowed to Prepare a Valuation Report? Qualifications Checked

In Germany, the professional title of surveyor is not legally protected. In theory, anyone with above-average expertise could call themselves one. In practice, however, qualifications determine the admissibility of the report. When it comes to high asset values, insurance claims, or legal disputes, parties such as banks, insurers, or courts require proof of professional competence.

A qualified surveyor is characterized by relevant training, years of professional experience, and continuous further education. DIAVAG ensures that all surveyors employed meet the standards of the BVSK (German Federal Association of Freelance and Independent Motor Vehicle Surveyors). This guarantees a methodically sound valuation based on objective data rather than subjective estimates. For legal questions relating to inheritance or divorce, you should always consult a lawyer or notary to clarify the specific requirements of the respective proceedings.

A key aspect of the question of who is allowed to prepare a valuation report is independence. Many market participants, such as car dealerships or purchasing portals, offer valuations. However, since these companies often have a vested interest in the subsequent purchase or sale of the object, they lack the necessary neutrality. A report from DIAVAG, on the other hand, is independent, as the company does not sell vehicles, insurance, or repairs.

The highest level of this independence is achieved through classification as an inspection body under ISO/IEC 17020 Type A. This means that the surveyor and the company are not subject to any influence from third parties. In addition, every PDF report is signed by a senior inspector, raising quality assurance to an institutional level. This structure is particularly relevant for B2B customers such as fleet operators or dealers, who can take advantage of individual terms and an API connection to their Dealer Management Systems from a volume of 50 reports per month.

While classic inspection organizations such as TÜV or DEKRA often focus on the periodic technical inspection of cars, DIAVAG covers seven different asset classes. These include cars, electric cars, boats, construction and agricultural machinery, cargo bikes, e-scooters, and home storage systems. Each of these classes requires specific expertise and calibrated hardware.

Especially for modern assets such as electric cars or home solar storage systems, a visual inspection alone is not sufficient. Here, the Premium Battery Test is integrated as standard. Special hardware is used to determine state of health (SoH), cell balance, and actual capacity in kWh. A surveyor who cannot precisely measure these technical parameters is hardly able to determine a robust market value for an electric vehicle. The surveyor's mobile availability directly at the location of the object - whether at a marina for a boat or on a farm for agricultural machinery - also ensures efficient handling without transport risks.

A professional valuation report is based on a reproducible workflow. The DIAVAG surveyor appears at the asset's location within 24 hours of scheduling. The actual inspection on site takes less than 15 minutes, as a digital case with calibrated hardware is used. This case, which is also available to independent surveyors at a list price of auf Anfrages, contains, among other things, OBD2 scanners, coating thickness gauges for the paint, and tread depth gauges.

Documentation takes place via a standardized photo set that rules out manipulation. Optionally, the report can be secured with a notary hash on the Polygon blockchain to guarantee the immutability of the record. The result is a BVSK-compliant PDF report that is delivered the same day. This speed, combined with adherence to the highest standards, is a decisive advantage over traditional surveyor offices, which often need several days to prepare a report.

Comparing the various provider structures helps in making the right choice for a valuation report. The following table illustrates the differences with regard to independence and scope of services.

In situations where the value of an object must be legally established, the JVEG (Judicial Remuneration and Compensation Act) is an important frame of reference. Reports prepared for courts or insurers must meet the requirements for clarity and traceability defined there. A DIAVAG report provides exactly this foundation through the combination of BVSK qualification and a senior inspector's signature.

In insurance claims, for example after storm damage to a boat or an accident with a construction machine, the report is used to determine the replacement value. Since DIAVAG does not carry out repairs, there is no incentive to artificially influence damage amounts. This creates trust among insurance claims handlers. Nevertheless, the final decision on reimbursement lies with the insurer, and the involvement of a lawyer is essential in disputed legal matters.

The requirements for valuation reports are constantly evolving. One example is the EU Battery Passport, which becomes mandatory for batteries in electric vehicles and stationary storage systems from February 2027. DIAVAG is already prepared for these regulatory changes today. Through the use of the Premium Battery Test, data is collected that is essential for this digital passport.

Anyone who has an electric car or home storage system valued today benefits from documentation that already anticipates future standards. This secures resale value and ensures transparency for buyers. Data is stored in compliance with GDPR within the European Union, which is an important criterion for commercial customers and fleet operators when selecting their service provider.

A common problem when commissioning surveyors is unpredictable costs due to hourly billing or travel fees. DIAVAG solves this with a transparent flat-rate model. The private standard rate for cars, boats, cargo bikes, or e-scooters is auf Anfrages. For more complex assets such as electric cars or home storage systems, which include the Premium Battery Test, the flat rate is auf Anfrages.

These prices apply in the regions of Hamburg, Berlin, and Munich with no hidden surcharges. For dealers and fleet operators with a regular need of 50 or more reports per month, individual terms are arranged. This cost certainty is a key factor for planning security in real estate transactions (home storage systems) or when selling high-value sports boats. The customer knows exactly what investment is required for the legally sound document before the appointment even takes place.